From cities to coast to tropical wilderness, Florida's Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – is packed with family-friendly experiences perfect for a family summer vacation. Whether you're a family of adventurers, art and culture lovers, or just enjoy a day of relaxing on a white sand beach, Florida's Paradise Coast has something for every type of family.
For nature and wildlife lovers
White sand beaches, dolphins or swamps?
dolphin explorer: Embark on this dolphin watching adventure, the only ongoing public-engagement and public-supported dolphin program in the United States. Ideal for families, these tours visit the impressive Ten Thousand Islands (most of which are uninhabited) to study the movement and behavior patterns of bottlenose dolphins. Passengers will serve as citizen scientists, assisting dolphin researchers through the use of “photo identification,” as each dolphin can be identified by the “fingerprint” of its dorsal fin.
dolphin explorer
Everglades Airboat Tour: Families looking for a little more excitement can take an airboat ride through Everglades National Park. Traveling at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour on open water, gliding through grasslands and winding through mangrove islands, the airboat trip is filled with exciting moments, not to mention the occasional sighting of a crocodile. Families will also gain a better appreciation of their surroundings through guided tours explaining the area's unique flora and fauna.
everglades airboat
Huwei Beach: Relax at Tiger Tail Beach on Marco Island. The beach is a truly unique place due to its sandbar shape and channels, with pristine white sand and crystal clear water. Families can choose to relax and stay dry on the shore, or rent equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards and even jet skis to add to the fun in the water. Tiger Tail Beach is also a popular birding location and is listed by the Florida Birding Trails Guide as one of the best all-around birding locations in Southwest Florida.
Tiger Tail Beach C. Naples Marco Island Everglades CVB
Educational Ecotourism: Choose an ecotour with Everglades Area Tours to kayak through the mangroves and take dolphin watching, bird watching and shell tours around Marco Island. Tours are led by naturalist guides who have an in-depth knowledge of biodiversity.
The Florida Coast is for the curious
Families looking to get away from the sun and enjoy the arts and cultural attractions on Florida's Paradise Coast should check out these:
Artis-Naples: Home to the Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, Artis-Naples is Southwest Florida's premier destination for the visual and performing arts, hosting summer events, events and concerts for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the world of Andy Warhol in the recently opened Andy Warhol Collection: Popular Music | Works from the Bank of America Collection exhibition (through September 8, 2024) that include Warhol Rare complete portfolio and individual prints. Or, join a Make and Take family workshop to create pieces inspired by art on display in various museum exhibitions. This program is free with museum admission.
Speed Research Institute: Kids and car enthusiasts shouldn't miss a visit to the Revs Institute, known as one of the best car museums in the world. With more than 100 cars built between 1896 and 1995, the Revs Institute is one of the largest specialized automotive libraries in the world. Admission is free for children 8 and under, $20 (£15.50) for adults.
For families who love food
Stone Crab Festival: Taking place October 25-27, 2024, this annual festival is a can’t-miss family-friendly experience on Florida’s Paradise Coast. The festival celebrates stone crab season and is held at several connecting locations along the Old Naples waterfront, kicking off with a “claw-opening” ceremony at Pincher’s Restaurant. Throughout the weekend, visitors can expect live music and entertainment, children's activities, and an abundance of stone crab claws and other seafood.
Paradise Coast, Florida – Stone Crab Festival
Where to eat on Florida's Paradise Coast?
Watching the scenery while eating: Mango's Dockside Bistro on Marco Island serves gourmet cuisine with panoramic views of the bay and marina.
Perfect Pasta: The recently renovated Ritz-Carlton, Naples introduces Nolita, its newest culinary experience, featuring handcrafted pastas and handcrafted pizzas, as well as a menu of familiar Italian classics inspired by traditional family recipes.
Best for ice cream: Head to Kilwins Naples on Fifth Avenue South for some of the best ice cream in town.
Family-Friendly Accommodations in Paradise Coast, Florida
Florida's Paradise Coast offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations. luxurious La Playa Beach and Golf Resort Located in Naples, it will reopen in January 2024 with completely renovated rooms and suites. The resort hosts family-friendly activities poolside and beachfront.
Tiki Sunset – La Playa Beach and Golf Resort JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort Hosting a unique “Tiki Day Camp” featuring family activities and supervised programs for children ages 5 to 12, giving parents a chance to relax for the day. On select days, the hotel offers “Tiki Time Tonight” evening events so parents can enjoy dinner without the kids.
Later this year, Naples will welcome the iconic Great Wolf Lodge, which will include a 90,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 60,000-square-foot Great Wolf Lodge adventure park, 500 guest rooms, restaurants and retail for… Family to enjoy.
For more information about Florida's Paradise Coast, visit www.paradisecoast.com.
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